A Sunday Morning Thought on Pope Benedict's Resignation
How we strive for success in our work! Some of us succeed splendidly as a result; some of us struggle daily with mixed results; some of us, at least from time to time, fail in our endeavors.
I think it's fair to say that Our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, sometimes succeeded, sometimes struggled and sometimes failed in his efforts as Pope. I've read many commentaries, and depending on who you read, and from what perspective they are writing, you can find assessments that concentrate on one or more of these: success, struggle, failure. But it seems that some combination of the three more accurately captures Benedict's legacy. Any of us can understand and appreciate this.
So that makes him - at least in his work - like us, doesn't it? Of course, I'm not trying to directly compare the jobs each of us has to do each day with that of the Holy Father, Vicar of Christ on earth. I'm just thinking about this Catholic man going about his business as Pope each day. Such was the work God gave Him, and each day he took on the duties and responsibilities of his work.
I wonder how daunting these duties and responsibilities must be, being our Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ on earth. Apparently our Pope feels he can't adequately perform these duties and fulfill these responsibilities as he should anymore. He's old and his energy fails him too often.
At this point, I've read enough evaluation and speculation about his resignation. So much of it simply advances someone's or some groups' social, political, even personal agenda. But any man who's worked conscientiously at his job can understand why an 85 year old, whose strength fails him more often than not, might reach the conclusion Benedict reached. Still, how remarkable that this already remarkable man would face this reality and - in front of the eyes of the whole world - resign his position.
An example of humility? I'd say so, and an incredibly powerful one for each of us.
As we strive to succeed in our work this week, let's think of him and pray for him. We know, as men, how difficult it must have been for him to come to this decision. Even if he really was not enamored of the powers and privileges of being Pope, as well as the esteem that comes with this office, even if he was able to work in all humility for the good of our Holy Catholic Church, how hard it must be to publicly admit his inability to continue in his work, to have to tell his colleagues, indeed the entire world, or his failing strength.
This week, I will work humbly in my efforts to succeed in my work and I will pray in a special way for our dear Holy Father.
I think it's fair to say that Our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, sometimes succeeded, sometimes struggled and sometimes failed in his efforts as Pope. I've read many commentaries, and depending on who you read, and from what perspective they are writing, you can find assessments that concentrate on one or more of these: success, struggle, failure. But it seems that some combination of the three more accurately captures Benedict's legacy. Any of us can understand and appreciate this.
So that makes him - at least in his work - like us, doesn't it? Of course, I'm not trying to directly compare the jobs each of us has to do each day with that of the Holy Father, Vicar of Christ on earth. I'm just thinking about this Catholic man going about his business as Pope each day. Such was the work God gave Him, and each day he took on the duties and responsibilities of his work.
I wonder how daunting these duties and responsibilities must be, being our Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ on earth. Apparently our Pope feels he can't adequately perform these duties and fulfill these responsibilities as he should anymore. He's old and his energy fails him too often.
At this point, I've read enough evaluation and speculation about his resignation. So much of it simply advances someone's or some groups' social, political, even personal agenda. But any man who's worked conscientiously at his job can understand why an 85 year old, whose strength fails him more often than not, might reach the conclusion Benedict reached. Still, how remarkable that this already remarkable man would face this reality and - in front of the eyes of the whole world - resign his position.
An example of humility? I'd say so, and an incredibly powerful one for each of us.
As we strive to succeed in our work this week, let's think of him and pray for him. We know, as men, how difficult it must have been for him to come to this decision. Even if he really was not enamored of the powers and privileges of being Pope, as well as the esteem that comes with this office, even if he was able to work in all humility for the good of our Holy Catholic Church, how hard it must be to publicly admit his inability to continue in his work, to have to tell his colleagues, indeed the entire world, or his failing strength.
This week, I will work humbly in my efforts to succeed in my work and I will pray in a special way for our dear Holy Father.
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